MEDIA RELEASE

WESTHAMPTON BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT

Sons of the Beach

FOR MORE INFO CALL: FRED BAUER 631-288-1486 or E-MAIL: fred@hentschelagency.com

January 9, 2007

Westhampton Beach, NY –The Westhampton Beach Fire Department responded to an alarm

at the Bank of New York on Main Street in Westhampton Beach. The alarm, due to a puff

back caused by a malfunctioning heating unit, came in at 5:05 pm on Thursday, Jan. 4^th.

The firefighters arrived to a smoky bank and set up several exhaust fans. After ensuring that

there was no danger to the building, firefighters secured the scene and returned to the

firehouse.

Although there were no injuries and no structural damage to the bank, even a minor puff

back can require extensive cleaning of the house or building. Firefighters from all

departments respond to many puff backs throughout the winter months, many of which

could be prevented with proper care and maintenance of the burner and chimney.

The alarm is under investigation by the Southampton Town Fire Marshal’s office.

-30-

Attached photos by Fred Bauer, WHB-FD.